Theater Play Explores Human/Animal Relationship in Marseille

The play "Martin est un poisson", born from a meeting between a writer and a researcher, was presented at the MUCEM as part of the Festival of Science and Arts.

Generic image of an empty theater stage with a microphone.
AI

Generic image of an empty theater stage with a microphone.

As part of the Aix Marseille Université's Interdisciplinary Festival of Science and Arts 2026, the play "Martin est un poisson" was performed on September 17 in the auditorium of the MUCEM in Marseille.

The OSU Pythéas hosted this performance, followed by a public discussion, under the theme "Human/Animal. A shared adventure?". The play, written by Thomas Flahaut, originated from his encounter with Daniela Banaru, a researcher at AMU MIO studying the causes of marine fauna depletion in the Mediterranean.
The synopsis follows Solane and Gojo, who have been observing a dying sea for ten years, and are drawn by Martin, a fisherman's son, into a desperate attempt to save it. This work was described as a "true moment of happiness and tenderness" shared by a large audience.
This "Binôme" project, created as part of the Year of the Sea (PPR Ocean and Climate, France 2030) by the Les sens des mots company, aims to transform the meeting between a scientist and a theater author into a sensitive and often humorous play. The process involves a 50-minute encounter with a scientist, followed by the writing of a 30-minute play for three voices, which is then read by a collective of actors and directors, accompanied by original music. The "Binôme" collection now includes 64 shows since its creation in 2010.
Based on information from the official source: Institut Méditerranéen d'Océanologie (MIO) (20/09/2026)